Membership to a gym isn't for everyone

Someone recently asked me if I thought they should pay for a gym membership. You may be wondering the same thing right now as many of us are making resolutions to get in shape. My answer to the question was ... maybe.

Aside from the obvious question of whether you can afford it, there are some other things you should take into consideration:

– Is it convenient for you? If you have to drive a long distance, if the facility is not open at the times you want to use it, or if it’s very crowded at your preferred exercise time, you may want to think twice or look at another facility.

– Are you motivated enough to exercise on your own? You can get a good workout on your own at home, but some people find that paying for a membership or a class makes them feel obligated to attend.

– Do you prefer to exercise alone or would you enjoy the social aspect of just being around other people who are also exercising?

– Is variety important to you? Some gyms offer group exercise classes, pools, cardio and strength training equipment, so you can try out different forms of exercise or vary your routine if you get bored.

– Do you need instruction? At a gym, you have access to the fitness instructors and personal trainers who can teach you how to correctly and safely exercise and can answer your fitness questions.

Whether you choose to purchase a gym membership or work out on your own, remember to include a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching for flexibility.

For good health, cardiovascular exercise (the kind that makes your heart beat faster and makes you breathe harder), should be done at least 4 or 5 days a week for a total of 150 minutes or more each week.

If you are trying to lose weight, you may need to do more. Do some strength training for all of the major muscle groups in your body on 2 or 3 non-consecutive days. Strength training can be done with dumbbells, elastic bands, weight machines or with the weight of your own body (think push-ups, squats, and sit-ups). Stretching should be done after cardiovascular or strength training. And remember to check with your health care provider before starting any new exercise program.